The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it facilitated non-oil exports totaling 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N7.97 billion, and a Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee of N39.87 million through the Seme border in one month.
Disclosing this during his maiden media briefing at the NSC Command in Seme Border, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Wale Adenuga, said the exports comprise agricultural produce and manufactured goods, which reflects renewed confidence of exporters in the Lagos-Abidjan corridor as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
On revenue performance, Adenuga said the command generated N1.5 billion in September 2025, up from N531.4 million in August, representing over 182 per cent increase.
According to Adenuga, the performance reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi’s reform agenda built on compliance, transparency and data-driven monitoring of goods as well as the dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Service.
He also disclosed that the Command recorded N1.99 billion seizures of smuggled illicit drugs and expired flour from Egypt intercepted along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor between September 1 and October 9, 2025.
Adenuga said the Command, in a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), intercepted five trucks loaded with 10,000 bags of expired flour from Egypt with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.21 billion.
He said the expired products posed serious public health risks that could have led to infections, food poisoning and long-term health complications if they had entered Nigerian markets.
In addition, Adenuga said the command’s operatives seized 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) and 120 packs of Tramadol 120mg, with two suspects handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on October 7, 2025, for further investigation.
He said the social and psychological toll of such substances on the nation’s youth cannot be overstated. Other items seized within the period include 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 150 bales of second-hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and five used vehicles.
He described smuggling as economic sabotage that deprives the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare, emphasising that economic resources diverted into illicit trade will be a colossal waste, which could otherwise empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs.
“Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernisation.
“Our focus on trade facilitation has reduced transaction costs, streamlined processes, and ultimately increased revenue,” he said.
The CAC stressed that the Seme Area Command remains committed to balancing its triad mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation and national security, leveraging technology and intelligence for efficient border management.
Adenuga commended the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry for its regular support in intercepting smuggled rice along the waterways, acknowledging the synergy between Customs and the military in combating cross-border crimes.
He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media for their support and partnership.
